Working in Spain

International students headed into Spain for university training and study are oftentimes interested in working while they are there. Of course working while attending college is something that can be done in Spain, though there are a few things to keep in mind beforehand, as well as a bit of information that you should know.

First of all, international students have a much more difficult time finding employment than individuals who are already living in the country. Employers would much rather allow a Spaniard to work for them than someone else, and since most residents are highly qualified and trained individuals, finding someone to fill the position isn’t a difficult task. Most college students in Spain work in industries that do not require a great deal of experience or expertise.

If you are a student coming to Spain for college from the European Union it is quite simple to attain all of the things that you need to work in Spain. You need to be registered at the Social Security Office, as well as to have a DNI Extanjero, both of which require nothing more than your passport to obtain. Once this is in place you have the same chances of getting a job as someone who is from Spain.

If you are coming from another country you will need to obtain a work permit from the Spanish Consulate in the country in which you reside. You will also need, should you plan to stay a period longer than 90 days (which most students will,) a residence Visa. It can be difficult to get these things.

It is possible to get an internship to work in Spain as a university student as well. If this is something that you are interested in you should contact the Association of International Students for Economics and Commerce.

You will need to speak and understand Spanish to obtain employment in most of the companies found within the country.

Finding a Job in Spain

Most work that is available for college students in Spain is seasonal, meaning there are only certain months of the year that you will be able to work. Since most jobs in Spain are 40 hour, 9 to 6 positions, finding something to work part-time around a college schedule can be somewhat difficult. It is in your best interest to start the search as early as you possibly can.

If you are interested in working full-time and attend a university part-time, the above schedule is probably what you will find yourself working. Many of the smaller businesses in Spain towns still enjoy the daily ”Siesta,” a period taking place between the hours of 2 to 5 in which businesses shut down and enjoy a great time of fun and relaxation while at work. No, the Siesta is not a myth!

Bear in mind that in Spain, appearance is everything. This may not be true in your country, however, Spain sets its standards for appearance as high as your skill level. When preparing for an interview, dress to impress. There’s a lot of work for college students inside of the pubs, clubs and bars in the country (depending on your location,) and this is a great place to start your search for a position if you are someone who enjoys the night life and part scene.

On average the wages that you will earn in Spain are less than in other parts of the world. It is the third lowest paying country in Europe. However, there are a ton of other perks, which include low cost of living, 24 days of vacation per year (full-time workers,) great work environments and much more.

Once you’ve earned your degree you can expect to earn a great salary with the job that you choose, should you decide to stay in Spain. Once you hold a bachelor’s degree the average yearly salary is 13,800 Euros or $18,500 USD per year! Some employers pay much more, sometimes up to 73,500 Euros per year when you hold a Bachelor’s degree.

Top Employers in Spain

Have a look at the best employers in Spain!

Telfonica de Espana

This is the largest employer in all of Spain, employing more than 95,000 people. The company serves as Spain’s telecom provider.

Grupo Santander

A large group of banks with a large international presence, Santander has been voted as one of the best banks to work for, and is among one of the largest employers within the country.

El Corte Ingles

El Corte ingles is the largest department store chain in Spain. They’ve been a tradition in the country since being founded by Ramon Areces in 1940. This is an excellent employer for college students attending university in the country. Locations of the department stores can be found throughout the country, including in Madrid, Galicia and others.

Kimberly Clark

Kimberly Clark is a well-known supplier of many household products, including brand items such as Huggies, Kotex, and Cottenelle. Jobs are available in sales, marketing, human resources, auditing and many others through the company’s Spain location.

Of course there are a ton of supermarkets, department stores, pubs, restaurants and bars in which college students may seek employment as well.

Work at Home?

If you are interested in more than seasonal work, or want to lessen the competition, or avoid the hardships and hassles of meeting the work requirements, consider working at home. More and more people are choosing to work at home, and it is something that even college students can do. There are a ton of benefits to working at home (or campus.) Let’s take a look.

Even college students can get in on the work at home phenomena while in Spain. There are many positions available for those who want to make a little pocket change to help with college expenses, with something for all experience levels and all desires.

Work at home jobs range from those that you can do on the computer to MLM, crafting and everything in between. Article writing is very popular, as well as something that can be done online with only a computer and an Internet connection required to start. Among the other jobs that you could do from home while attending college include translating if you are fluent in Spanish, customer service, child care, sitter services and more.

The amount of money that can be earned with a work at home position will vary according to your skills, the job and the number of hours that you will be working. You can certainly find something that meets all of your needs and requirements for a job balanced with studies when you take those needs to the web.